DUI / OUI Under 21 Years Old

Driving under the influence (DUI) or operating under the influence (OUI) is a grave offense, especially for those under 21 years old. Despite comprising only 10% of licensed drivers in the State of Pennsylvania, this group experiences a disproportionately high number of DUI incidents.

In Pennsylvania, the legal limit for drivers aged 21 and older is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% to be charged with a DUI. However, for individuals under 21, even a BAC of 0.02% can result in a DUI charge. It is crucial to understand the consequences of such charges, as they can have long-lasting effects on your life, limiting educational and career opportunities.

What You Need to Know

The state has a strict stance on underage DUI, implementing stringent laws to deter and prevent such offenses. Here’s what you need to know about underage DUI:

• For a first offense, you may face a jail sentence of up to 90 days, along with fines ranging from $300 to $500. While your license may not be suspended initially, a BAC level exceeding 0.1% could lead to a 12-month suspension.

• Subsequent offenses carry even more severe penalties. A second offense can result in a jail sentence ranging from 5 days to six months, coupled with fines between $300 and $2500. Additionally, your license will be suspended for 12 months.

• Arresting officers may also press charges for related offenses, such as minor in possession, soliciting alcohol, distributing alcohol to other underage individuals, or possession of fake IDs used to obtain alcohol.

• A conviction for underage DUI creates a permanent criminal record. This can adversely impact your insurance premiums and serve as a barrier to future employment opportunities. Importantly, if you are under 18 years old when convicted, this offense cannot be expunged and will remain on your criminal record indefinitely.

• When faced with an underage DUI/OUI charge, it is vital to seek immediate legal representation. Contact a Pittsburgh criminal attorney who specializes in handling underage DUI cases.

What You Cannot do in Pennsylvania if You are Under 21:

In Pennsylvania, if you are below the legal drinking age of 21, certain activities are strictly prohibited:

• Possessing alcohol
• Purchasing alcohol
• Attempting to buy alcohol
• Intentionally and knowingly transporting alcohol
• Consuming alcohol

According to Pennsylvania law, alcohol refers to any malt, liquor, or brewed beverage with an alcohol content of 0.50 percent by volume.

How can a Pittsburgh Underage DUI Attorney Help You?

I am attorney Sean Logue, specializing in DUI charges and representing numerous clients in underage DUI cases throughout the years. With a 10.0 Avvo rating, I am proud to provide passionate and integrity-driven representation. As a Pennsylvania Super Attorney, I approach each case analytically, examining whether any of your rights as a citizen were violated during the traffic stop. Furthermore, I will ensure independent examination of your blood samples to identify any discrepancies surrounding the prosecution’s case. As an experienced Pittsburgh DUI lawyer serving the Pittsburgh area, I will vigorously defend your rights, challenging the prosecution’s charges and discrediting any evidence presented in court.

An underage DUI/OUI conviction can significantly impact your child’s future and employment opportunities. It is crucial to mount a strong defense against these charges. I am committed to providing you with the necessary legal support and protecting your rights.

Visit my Pittsburgh firm for a free consultation with a Pittsburgh DUI attorney, where we can discuss the details of your case. Please dial (844) PITT-DUI or contact me online.

For legal assistance in the Pittsburgh area, including the surrounding counties, as well as Ohio and West Virginia, reach out to Logue Law Group.